The Total Visa Card is an unsecured card for bad credit that charges an $89 one-time program fee before the card even activates, plus a $75 annual fee, according to Firstcard’s May 2026 breakdown, meaning the program and annual fees alone consume 55% of a $300 credit limit on day one.
Issued by The Bank of Missouri, Total Visa targets consumers with poor to fair credit, generally in the FICO 500 to 620 range, who want to avoid a security deposit. Approved cardholders typically start with a $300 credit limit, and the account reports monthly to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | The Bank of Missouri |
| Network | Visa |
| Program Fee | $89 (one-time, before card activation) |
| Annual Fee | $75 first year (range $50 to $125 by tier); $48 renewal |
| Monthly Fee | Starts year two, combined annual cost around $123 to $171 |
| APR | 35.99% fixed |
| Starting Credit Limit | $200 or more, typically $300 |
| Credit Limit Increase | Requestable after 6 months, not guaranteed, may carry a fee |
Applicants can check their approval odds through the official Total Visa prequalification page, which uses a soft credit pull that does not affect your credit score.
The 55% Utilization Problem
According to Firstcard’s fee analysis, a $300 Total Visa limit loses $164 to the $89 program fee and $75 annual fee before a single purchase is made, that is 55% utilization from fees alone. High utilization on a brand-new account can work against the credit score the card is supposed to help build.
For comparison, WalletHub notes that secured alternatives like the OpenSky Secured Visa charge no program fee and a $35 annual fee, refunding the security deposit when the account closes in good standing. The bureau reporting is the same either way, so the fee gap is the main thing separating the two paths.
Pros and Cons
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Cons
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Who Should Get This Card
The Total Visa Card fits some financial situations better than others.
| Profile | Fit |
|---|---|
| Rejected by other unsecured cards | Good fit: accepts a wide FICO range with no deposit |
| Will pay the full statement balance monthly | Good fit: avoids the 35.99% APR entirely |
| Can afford a refundable security deposit | Poor fit: a secured card will almost always cost less |
| Wants the lowest possible day-one utilization | Consider the Destiny Mastercard instead |
If Total Visa’s fees give you pause, our First Access Visa Card review covers a similar Bank of Missouri card, and our Cerulean Mastercard review breaks down a lower-APR alternative from the same issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Total Visa Card a legitimate credit card?
Yes. Total Visa is issued by The Bank of Missouri, an FDIC-insured bank. It reports account activity to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion every month.
Does Total Visa require a security deposit?
No. Total Visa is an unsecured credit card, meaning approved applicants do not need to put down any cash deposit to open the account.
How much does the Total Visa Card cost per year?
The first year totals roughly $164 on a $300 limit, combining the $89 program fee and $75 annual fee. From year two onward, the annual and monthly fees combined run about $123 to $171 per year.
Can my Total Visa credit limit increase?
You can request an increase after 6 months, but approval is not guaranteed and any increase may come with an additional fee.
Can I check if I qualify without hurting my credit score?
Yes. Total Visa’s prequalification process uses a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only occurs if you proceed with the full application.
Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. This review is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available terms as of 2026. Card terms, fees, and APRs can change. Always confirm current details directly with the issuer before applying.